Generic Voltaren works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Generic Voltaren-XR, the extended-release form of Generic Voltaren, is used only for long-term treatment.

Generic Voltaren works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and they go on to cause the pain, swelling and inflammation of these conditions. Arthritic conditions are one example of this.

As Generic Voltaren stops the body producing these inflammatory prostaglandins, it relieves the associated pain and inflammation.

Generic Voltaren is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, gout, sprains, fractures, dislocations, back pain, tendinitis and frozen shoulder. It is also used to relieve pain and inflammation following dental, orthopedic (bone) and other minor surgery.

ADULTS
Osteoarthritis
The usual dose of Generic Voltaren is 100 to 150 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day or 75 milligrams twice a day.
The usual dose of Generic Voltaren-XR is 100 milligrams taken once a day.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
The usual dose of Generic Voltaren is 100 to 200 milligrams a day, divided into smaller doses of 50 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day, 75 milligrams twice a day, or 100 milligrams once or twice a day for Generic Voltaren-XR.

People with rheumatoid arthritis should not take more than 225 milligrams a day.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
The usual dose is 100 to 125 milligrams of Generic Voltaren a day, divided into smaller doses of 25 milligrams 4 times a day, with another 25 milligrams at bedtime if necessary.

Pain and menstrual discomfort
The usual starting dose of Generic Voltaren is 50 milligrams every 8 hours as needed, although to provide better relief on the first day doctors sometimes prescribe a starting dose of 100 milligrams followed by two 50-milligram doses. After the first day, you should not take more than 150 milligrams in a day.

CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Generic Voltaren have not been established in children.

If you miss a Generic Voltaren dose
If you miss a Generic Voltaren dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Generic Voltaren Overdose
Generic Voltaren taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of a Generic Voltaren overdose may include

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• ringing in the ears,
• blurred vision,
• seizures,
• sweating,
• numbness or tingling,
• little or no urine production, and
• slow breathing

Generic Voltaren Storage instructions
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused Generic Voltaren after the expiration date.

Generic Voltaren Preparations:
Tablets-25mg, 50mg, XR 100mg.

Generic Voltaren may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:

• lithium
• digoxin
• methotrexate.

People taking Generic Voltaren with any of the above should be closely monitored by their doctor.

There may be an increased risk of bleeding if Generic Voltaren is taken with blood-thinning or anti-clotting medicines (anticoagulants) such as warfarin. People taking Generic Voltaren with an anticoagulant should be closely monitored by their doctor.

There may be an increased risk of side effects such as stomach irritation if Generic Voltaren is taken with corticosteroids such as prednisolone.

Generic Voltaren should not be taken with any other NSAID, eg ibuprofen, as this increases the risk of side effects, particularly on the gut.

Ciclosporin may increase the blood level of Generic Voltaren, and your doctor may prescribe a lower than normal dose of Generic Voltaren if you are taking cyclosporine.

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the kidneys if Generic Voltaren is taken with any of the following medicines:

• cyclosporine
• ACE inhibitors, eg enalapril
• diuretics, eg frusemide

Generic Voltaren may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of diuretics such as frusemide.

There may potentially be an increased risk of seizures if Generic Voltaren is taken together with quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.

Generic Voltaren precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Generic Voltaren is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly the third trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Generic Voltaren passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Special warnings about Generic Voltaren
Generic Voltaren may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Generic Voltaren affects you and you are sure it won\'t affect your performance.

People with impaired kidney, liver or heart function who are taking Generic Voltaren should have their kidney function monitored.

During long-term treatment, routine blood tests are recommended to monitor kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components, particularly in the elderly.

Generic Voltaren may mask the signs and symptoms of infection. This may make you think mistakenly that an infection is getting better when it isn\'t, or that an infection is less serious than it is. For this reason you should tell your doctor if you get an infection while you are taking Generic Voltaren.

It is important that people with a history of disorders affecting the stomach or intestines are closely monitored by a doctor while taking Generic Voltaren, particularly if elderly. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience side effects such as stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn or signs of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, eg blood in the stools, while taking Generic Voltaren.

Close medical supervision is important in people suffering from severe impairment of liver function

Why Generic Voltaren should not be prescribed?
If you have an allergic reaction to Generic Voltaren, or if you have had asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, you should not take Generic Voltaren. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced

More common side effects of Generic Voltaren may include:

• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea,
• vomiting
• abdominal pain or cramps,
• indigestion

Rare side effects of Generic Voltaren may include:

signs of bleeding from the stomach –

• black tarry stools,
• blood in the urine,
• unusual tiredness or weakness,
• vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

signs of an allergic reaction –

• difficulty breathing or wheezing,
• skin rash,
• redness,
• blistering or peeling skin,
• hives, or itching,
• swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
• change in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty swallowing,
• severe heartburn or burning,
• pain in throat
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of feet or ankles
• yellowing and/or itching of eyes or skin,
• upper right abdominal/chest tenderness,
• fatigue